November is National Scholarship Month, so if you're looking for a scholarship, here are a couple of sites you might want to investigate.
1. Fastweb is one of the most often used scholarship search sites. Like any of the reputable websites, it's free too. You can access a huge data base of scholarships on Fastweb, some of which will require some work, but some are quick and easy to enter. When I last checked, there was a no-essay, $2,000 scholarship available. It's a random drawing, but all you have to do is enter to win. Why not?
2. You can also use bigfuture, sponsored by The College Board. Like Fastweb, it's free, and the more information you enter, the more possibilities you will discover.
3. If you want something easy, creative, and fun, try Zinch. Here are only a few of the scholarships they currently have listed: a "smoke is a second hand killer scholarship," a "can recycling scholarship," and a "poetry slam scholarship.There are weekly scholarship drawings as well. With scholarships this easy to apply for, the competition might be daunting, but it doesn't hurt to try. You might be a winner too.
And here's a bonus scholarship site: Scholarships.com. Similar to Fastweb, it is a free search engine that matches you to scholarships in your area of interest or background.
Remember, your college or university is probably still the best source of money, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort in outside searches, the results can be rewarding.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Looking for something to do next summer?
I know it's only November, but it's never too early to start thinking about summer vacation! I've always said that I hope my students will actually take some time to relax during summer vacation, and I sincerely mean that. We all need some time to decompress, slow down, and turn off. However, knowing that many students want to do something with their time off, here are just a few suggestions.
Some students use June, July, and August to find a part-time job. If that is something you are considering, think about finding a job that will get you out of your comfort zone. Paraphrasing a former admissions dean, if you have a choice between a trip abroad, working at your mother's law firm, or pumping gas (not that we have full-service gas stations any more), then pump gas. You get the idea. However if you're thinking about a career in education, working with young children at GPS summer camp might be a good option. Likewise, if you're thinking about a career in veterinary medicine, think about working or volunteering at an animal hospital.
Many of my students will use their time off to volunteer (the Erlanger VolunTeen program is one such activity), while others might take classes in an area of interest. For example, Duke University has a number of academic options, and if you're interested in seeing what they have to offer, visit their website. The University of Notre Dame also offers a "pre-college" summer program, as do many other schools like Auburn and Boston University.
You don't have to go that far away from home, however. The UTC College of Business offers a summer business experience where students can interact with professors and successful business professionals in workshops, field trips, and seminars, or perhaps you have another specific college in mind. Just go to their website and search for summer programs for high school students. We've had GPS students attend some amazing engineering programs at Smith College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Another option is the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. Yes, some of these programs can be expensive, but many also offer financial assistance, so it doesn't hurt to look, You can also check the Summer Opportunity link on this blog for summer programs we have posted in the past.
Of course all summer classes don't have to be academic. We've had students take sewing and cooking classes, and some girls take dance, music, or art classes. You might also want to consider starting a new foreign language or learn about home-repair at Home Depot. Think about what you've always wanted to learn and see if you can find a program in the area. We will continue to post summer opportunities as we receive them, so check back regularly.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do take some time off just for yourself. Recharging your batteries will make you a better and happier student when classes start again next fall.
Some students use June, July, and August to find a part-time job. If that is something you are considering, think about finding a job that will get you out of your comfort zone. Paraphrasing a former admissions dean, if you have a choice between a trip abroad, working at your mother's law firm, or pumping gas (not that we have full-service gas stations any more), then pump gas. You get the idea. However if you're thinking about a career in education, working with young children at GPS summer camp might be a good option. Likewise, if you're thinking about a career in veterinary medicine, think about working or volunteering at an animal hospital.
Many of my students will use their time off to volunteer (the Erlanger VolunTeen program is one such activity), while others might take classes in an area of interest. For example, Duke University has a number of academic options, and if you're interested in seeing what they have to offer, visit their website. The University of Notre Dame also offers a "pre-college" summer program, as do many other schools like Auburn and Boston University.
You don't have to go that far away from home, however. The UTC College of Business offers a summer business experience where students can interact with professors and successful business professionals in workshops, field trips, and seminars, or perhaps you have another specific college in mind. Just go to their website and search for summer programs for high school students. We've had GPS students attend some amazing engineering programs at Smith College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Another option is the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. Yes, some of these programs can be expensive, but many also offer financial assistance, so it doesn't hurt to look, You can also check the Summer Opportunity link on this blog for summer programs we have posted in the past.
Of course all summer classes don't have to be academic. We've had students take sewing and cooking classes, and some girls take dance, music, or art classes. You might also want to consider starting a new foreign language or learn about home-repair at Home Depot. Think about what you've always wanted to learn and see if you can find a program in the area. We will continue to post summer opportunities as we receive them, so check back regularly.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do take some time off just for yourself. Recharging your batteries will make you a better and happier student when classes start again next fall.
Monday, November 3, 2014
The Road to College
The good news is that the first big deadline, November 1, is behind us, and all applications, recommendations, and transcripts have been submitted! Wahoo!
And now we need to get back to business. As I've been preparing for our big junior program this week, I've been thinking about ownership, as in who really owns this college search. I know what the answer should be - the student - but I also know that it's hard for parents to relinquish control sometimes. A wise admissions dean once told me that it's like driving a bus: the student should be in the driver's seat, the counselor should be in the passenger seat, and the parents should be in the back seat. I wonder what parents think about that!
His point, of course, was that the student needs to be in control, and I agree. Yes, it's a lot of work on top of everything else they have to do, but students need to understand that in order to have a good outcome, they will have to invest something into their search. That means doing research, listening to others but making up their own minds, being open to the myriad of possibilities. Of course parents are involved; they are, after all, most likely footing the bill. But on Tuesday, I will tell our parents that they too shouldn't close the door to all the opportunities until they know what's behind each door. That means considering a college is a little farther away from home might just offer their daughter an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurship or leadership. That means waiting to see what kind of scholarship/financial aid options there are. That often means tuning out the noise that is coming from other parties, and that means listening to their daughters.
At the College Board conference I recently attended, someone questioned why we call this a college "process." It's much more than a mere process we go through, because if done with thought and purpose, it really can be an amazing journey of self-discovery. If parents take over the search, then it can become more about them and less about their daughter. It can also say to the daughter, "We don't think you can do it." And when they lose their cool over a rejection, wondering "What was wrong with my daughter?" as one parent once did, then what message are they sending?
Actually the best college searches are a team effort. The student, parents, and counselor all work together to develop a college list that considers a variety of criteria: the student's strengths and weaknesses, a parent's financial concerns, and the counselor's knowledge of admissibility are just a few examples. But once again, the student should be driving the bus.
I'll leave you with another comment I overheard at the conference. "What kind of relationship do you want with your daughter once the college decision has been made?" I believe that is a question that every parent should answer, because when this journey is complete, there will be cause to celebrate no matter what happens.
And now we need to get back to business. As I've been preparing for our big junior program this week, I've been thinking about ownership, as in who really owns this college search. I know what the answer should be - the student - but I also know that it's hard for parents to relinquish control sometimes. A wise admissions dean once told me that it's like driving a bus: the student should be in the driver's seat, the counselor should be in the passenger seat, and the parents should be in the back seat. I wonder what parents think about that!
His point, of course, was that the student needs to be in control, and I agree. Yes, it's a lot of work on top of everything else they have to do, but students need to understand that in order to have a good outcome, they will have to invest something into their search. That means doing research, listening to others but making up their own minds, being open to the myriad of possibilities. Of course parents are involved; they are, after all, most likely footing the bill. But on Tuesday, I will tell our parents that they too shouldn't close the door to all the opportunities until they know what's behind each door. That means considering a college is a little farther away from home might just offer their daughter an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurship or leadership. That means waiting to see what kind of scholarship/financial aid options there are. That often means tuning out the noise that is coming from other parties, and that means listening to their daughters.
At the College Board conference I recently attended, someone questioned why we call this a college "process." It's much more than a mere process we go through, because if done with thought and purpose, it really can be an amazing journey of self-discovery. If parents take over the search, then it can become more about them and less about their daughter. It can also say to the daughter, "We don't think you can do it." And when they lose their cool over a rejection, wondering "What was wrong with my daughter?" as one parent once did, then what message are they sending?
Actually the best college searches are a team effort. The student, parents, and counselor all work together to develop a college list that considers a variety of criteria: the student's strengths and weaknesses, a parent's financial concerns, and the counselor's knowledge of admissibility are just a few examples. But once again, the student should be driving the bus.
I'll leave you with another comment I overheard at the conference. "What kind of relationship do you want with your daughter once the college decision has been made?" I believe that is a question that every parent should answer, because when this journey is complete, there will be cause to celebrate no matter what happens.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Creating a Better College Tour
When students visit a college, they typically sit through an information session provided by an admissions counselor (a good resource), and then they tour the campus with a student tour guide. Not a bad place to start, but it may not provide an in-depth look at the college and what it offers. I don't blame the college; there's only so much they can say or do in a short period of time. But there is more that a student can do, and if thoughtfully planned, students can get an experience that is more like what I get when I go on a college tour.
By all means start with the info session and tour. More important however, are the types of questions you ask. You can probably find the basics on their website, so before you go, think about what you really want to know about a school. Counselors typically ask questions like "What are the characterisitics of a successful student here," or "What are the trends you see in your applicant pool?" We don't necessarily ask about admissions requirements, because we can find those on line in or in books. We don't ask what their best departments are (how are they supposed to answer that?). Be more specific. Ask what type of courses you will have to take. Do they sound interesting to you? Ask what their graduates go on to do or ask what types of research/internship possibilities are available in that discipline.
When counselors talk to students, we want to know what their favorite courses were and why? Was it the professor? The content? The opportunity to explore new ideas? Did it push a student out of his/her comfort zone? Did it require them to think outside-the-box? From a student perspective, what are the hot button issues on campus? What do students are about at this school? Do they care about anything? Why did they choose this school over all the others? Are they still happy they made this choice, or what if anything has disappointed them a little? It's okay to get personal (okay, not that personal); you know what I mean.
I get to attend classes sometimes when I visit a campus; you can ask to visit one too. Perhaps you want to experience a big class, or maybe you'd rather see what life will be like once you hit the classes in your major. Ask! All they can say is no. If you know you're leaning toward theater or engineering or English, call the department and make an appointment to talk to someone.
By all means start with the info session and tour. More important however, are the types of questions you ask. You can probably find the basics on their website, so before you go, think about what you really want to know about a school. Counselors typically ask questions like "What are the characterisitics of a successful student here," or "What are the trends you see in your applicant pool?" We don't necessarily ask about admissions requirements, because we can find those on line in or in books. We don't ask what their best departments are (how are they supposed to answer that?). Be more specific. Ask what type of courses you will have to take. Do they sound interesting to you? Ask what their graduates go on to do or ask what types of research/internship possibilities are available in that discipline.
When counselors talk to students, we want to know what their favorite courses were and why? Was it the professor? The content? The opportunity to explore new ideas? Did it push a student out of his/her comfort zone? Did it require them to think outside-the-box? From a student perspective, what are the hot button issues on campus? What do students are about at this school? Do they care about anything? Why did they choose this school over all the others? Are they still happy they made this choice, or what if anything has disappointed them a little? It's okay to get personal (okay, not that personal); you know what I mean.
I get to attend classes sometimes when I visit a campus; you can ask to visit one too. Perhaps you want to experience a big class, or maybe you'd rather see what life will be like once you hit the classes in your major. Ask! All they can say is no. If you know you're leaning toward theater or engineering or English, call the department and make an appointment to talk to someone.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Scholarships
Applications for the RMHC scholarships are now available online. The application deadline is January 20, 2015.
These awards are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduation high school seniors, and they are awarded based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement activities. You must also be a US citizen and plan to enroll in a two or four year post-secondary institution next year.
The RMHC scholarship program is comprised of four individual scholarships, including:
Again, all materials, including the essay, must be completed by January 20, 2105, but you are encouraged not to wait that long to submit your application.
You can find additional information and the application at www.rmhc.org
These awards are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduation high school seniors, and they are awarded based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement activities. You must also be a US citizen and plan to enroll in a two or four year post-secondary institution next year.
The RMHC scholarship program is comprised of four individual scholarships, including:
- RMHC/ASIA (Asian students Increasing Achievement)
- RMHC/African American Future Achievers
- RMHC/HACER (applicants must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage)
- RMHC Scholars - ("open to all students regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or national origin")
Again, all materials, including the essay, must be completed by January 20, 2105, but you are encouraged not to wait that long to submit your application.
You can find additional information and the application at www.rmhc.org
Burger King Scholarship
Here's another national scholarship program that might be of interest. The requirements are pretty simple:
- You must be a high school senior.
- You must have a cumulative GPA os 2.5 or higher
- You must plan to enroll full-time for the 2015-2016 school year at a 2-year or 4-year college or university
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Weird Scholarships and others
Someone recently reminded me that there are a lot of strange scholarships out there, and while they may be too weird for some, you never know if one of them will match an interest of yours. So with that said, I give you 45 of the Weirdest Scholarships.
There is one for females who are 5'10" and over, one for the most creative prom dress made out of Duct Tape, and one for left-handed students who are interested in Juniata College, who by the way, is visiting GPS tomorrow. There's an essay scholarship based on the novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and one for fans of bowling.
Yes, some of them are very random and are almost like a lottery (The American Fire Sprinkler Association), but you never know! It doesn't hurt to look.
On a more serious note, you can also apply for the 2015 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. In honor of the legacy and character of President Reagan, this program awards up to 20 students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships. Applications will be accepted online until January 8, 2015. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1DxanhF.
There is one for females who are 5'10" and over, one for the most creative prom dress made out of Duct Tape, and one for left-handed students who are interested in Juniata College, who by the way, is visiting GPS tomorrow. There's an essay scholarship based on the novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and one for fans of bowling.
Yes, some of them are very random and are almost like a lottery (The American Fire Sprinkler Association), but you never know! It doesn't hurt to look.
On a more serious note, you can also apply for the 2015 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. In honor of the legacy and character of President Reagan, this program awards up to 20 students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships. Applications will be accepted online until January 8, 2015. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1DxanhF.
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